Color is often used to raise awareness to specific causes, conditions and disabilities.
For example, pink is the official color for breast cancer awareness, while red signifies HIV/AIDS and purple is for Alzheimer's.
Another color claims to take aim at trick-or-treaters, but how valid is it?
A handful of social media posts have recently made the rounds, claiming that a blue trick-or-treat bucket signifies that a trick-or-treater has autism. That's not to be confused with teal pumpkins, which are used to symbolize homes that have trick-or-treat options safe for those who suffer from food allergies.
Social media posts say that people should be mindful of those carrying blue buckets, as they may be people with autism of all ages.
"These precious people are not 'too big' to trick or treat," one post says.
But who decided that blue buckets are the official symbol of trick-or-treaters with autism? Technically, no one, according to Snopes.
The idea of using blue buckets originated with a mother on Facebook, who informed her followers that her son with autism would carry a blue bucket on Halloween, according to Snopes.
Though the intentions of social media sharers are good, Snopes says carrying a blue bucket on Halloween is not a widely recognized symbol for people with autism. Therefore, parents cannot expect communities to know what the blue buckets stand for.
Instead, Autism Speaks recommends parents of children with autism should consider having their child wear a badge or carry a sign so that others understand they may communicate differently.
Click here for more tips on trick-or-treating for those with autism.
